Armory Sponsor
Posted: 6/30/2006 3:40:31 PM EDT
|
I've tried searching the archives, google, and the FAL forums but can't seem to find any specific posts on my questions. If my search-fu is weak, I apologize. Feel free to post links. But my questions are these...do the length of the gas system in FALs have any effect on reliability, etc? I was looking at buying a para congo from Talonarms, but I also like their tac carbine that has the short gas system. Also, what do you gain in reliability, performance, etc. from buying the SA58 as opposed to the STG58A FALs? Finally, I understand that you lose some velocity from having a shorter barrel, but does .308 still perform sufficiently with a 16" barrel? Ideally, i'd like to find a standard SA58 carbine with 18" barrel. Thanks in advance. |
|
Unless you are going to cut the barrel below 14 inches, having a short gas system on an F A L is just silly. Even then it is silly since you will be losing so much velocity that your 308WIN will now be more like an M1 Carbine. It isn't quite that drastic, but close. Having a short gas system on an F A L is akin to putting loud pipes and fat tires on a Harley. It has lots of cool factor, but does zero to increase the performance. An 18 inch barrel on an F A L is perfect. |
I like the 16, and I PROMISE, there will be NO MISTAKING it for a 30 carbine, on either end!! It still speaks with authority. YMMV Doc |
yes it does, and it has a alot of flame. He's talking about the speed of the 30cal because of the shortened BBl |
Uh, yes, I was talking about the speed of the projectile also. There will be NO mistaking it for a 30 carbine. I have, and shoot both. 16"bbl, sighted in at 50yds, 1.3" high at 100, dead on at 200. The carbine WON'T do that. Doc |
|
I have a 16 incher with full length gas system and I have had no trouble with it, though I run it on 0. It is loud but I can hit the 200yd gong all day with it. It still has plenty of punch on the the other end too. I have not noticed any additional recoil though, actually if the barrel was shorter and the velocity was less wouldn't there be less recoil? |
|
Short gas system is the pits unless you are going SBR. Shorter sight radius, less handguard real estate, unproven design, sharper recoil and more wear/tear on the rifle. For what, a couple ounces of weight? 16" barrel functions fine but I prefer my 308's with 18" barrels for added velocity. StG58 vs. SA58: The StG was made by Steyr to fulfill domestic military contract during the height of the Cold War. The SA58 was made buy DSArms to sell commercially. One had the Austrian Army quality checking the stuff, the other has Billy Bob in QC. Both are new; just the StG was previously assembled. But hey, the SA58 has a better warranty. |
Armory Sponsor